2 More Groups Join Bridge-toll Opposition

April 01, 1989

GLOUCESTER — Two more groups have joined the opposition to tolls on the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge.

The Gloucester County Transportation Safety Commission and the Middlesex County Republican Committee approved separate resolutions this week asking the Commonwealth Transportation Board to reconsider its decision to impose the toll as early as July 1.

The $1 toll and 60-cent commuter fee will help pay for the $67-million expansion of the Coleman bridge from two to four lanes. The bridge is the main connection between the Peninsula and Middle Peninsula, and carries about 39,000 vehicles each day.

The safety commission approved a resolution stating that the toll would have a "devastating impact" on the economies of Gloucester, the Middle Penin- sula and the Northern Neck. It also asks the state to stop preparing the bridge site for toll booths until the state can reconsider its action.

That resolution is identical to one approved by the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors.

The Middlesex Republicans also are asking the state to take off the toll, and to give consideration to building a new bridge across the York River, as local residents, governments and businesses have requested.

"We have a lot of people up here who commute back and forth to Newport News," said Committee Chairman Henry Elliot.

The two groups join a growing number of toll opponents, who are writing letters, signing petitions and making phone calls to state lawmakers trying to stop the tolls.